San Diego Travel Safety Tips

Welcome to the San Diego Region, one of America's friendliest and desirable visitor destinations. We hope that you'll experience as much of the sights and attractions that our beautiful destination has to offer. These suggestions and hints should help ensure that your visit to San Diego is a safe one.

San Diego Safety Tips

Beach & Ocean Safety

Check with the lifeguards about safety conditions around the beach and water areas and tell your kids about any unsafe conditions or non-swimming areas.

If your children become separated from you, have them contact a lifeguard or police officer for help.

Observe posted signs around the beach area. Beach communities are generally more restrictive because of the number of people they attract.

For safety and the preservation of wildlife, do not touch wildlife on the beach or in the tidepools.

Do not carry glass containers to the beach.

If you're going to leave valuables in your car, place them in your trunk or conceal them before you arrive at your destination.

Alcohol is illegal at all beaches and many of our parks. Check signs and/or ask lifeguards or police.

Conventioneers

Walk "smart" when you leave your convention site; know your destination and the best way to reach it. Travel along sidewalks in lighted areas at night, and don't walk alone.

Establish a "buddy" system with another delegate to the convention, share schedules and check up on each other periodically.

Build your awareness of unknown surroundings by reviewing information on the community you are visiting (included in your registration packet), especially maps and guides.

Jackets with pockets provide a convenient alternative for women to reduce the chance for lost or stolen handbags.

Laptop computers are attractive, easy targets for thieves. Be sure your laptop is in a secure place.

Downtown San Diego businesses initiated a successful Clean and Safe program with trained ambassadors to assist visitors. They are visible in khaki and blue ballcaps and white logo shirts. Identification cards are visible.

To Enter the United States

Please note: All persons entering the U.S. are subject to inspection. The burden of proof is on the citizen.

U.S. Citizens must have proof of citizenship: Passport or U.S. naturalization papers. (Drivers License is not proof of citizenship, but it will serve as a photo ID.)

U.S. Residents must show their Resident Alien card (green card).

Canadians must show a valid passport - U.S. Visa not required.

All other foreigners must show a valid passport with: 1) a valid, multiple entry, unexpired, U.S. visa and a valid I-94 form or 2) a valid passport with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) stamp with the date of entry and WT or WB written on it. (See Notes on ESTA Program.)

Dogs must have current rabies certificate required to enter the U.S. For other animals, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 1-800-358-2104.

Homeless Citizens

Every major city in the world has a homeless population. This social problem is common to urban areas. Their presence need not prevent people from enjoying San Diego and its amenities.

Most homeless people are harmless, however, some transients are chronic law violators who often infringe upon the rights of others. We suggest using a combination of caution and respect around panhandlers and other strangers.

Contributing to panhandlers will not help the problem. If you wish to help, contribute to a charity, mission, food bank or social service agency that assists the needy.

Hotel Motel Security

Determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest telephone.

Use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows.

Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the front desk.

Report any lost or stolen items to the management and to the police.

Never leave money, checks, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables, extra room keys or car keys in the room. Take valuables with you or leave them in the hotel safety deposit box.

Report to the management any suspicious activities in the corridors or rooms. Remember - the only way to stop crime is to get involved in crime prevention.

Kids Safety

When visiting local attractions, dress kids in bright clothing and designate a meeting site for lost family members. For small children, write down their names and where they're staying and put it in their pockets.

Instruct kids not to open hotel room doors to people they don't know.

Make sure kids are familiar with hotel/motel escape routes. Discuss which adult is responsible for which child/children in an emergency.

In California, when in a car, children under the age of 8 MUST use a child safety seat, a booster seat or other safety restraint system in the back seat. (Booster seats are special seats designed to make adult seat belts properly fit older children. Correct use of a booster seat will fulfill the new law requirement. Children under 8 who are 4' 9" or taller may be secured by a safety belt in the back seat.) Kids must not be left alone in a car.

Curfew in San Diego is 10:00 pm - it is strictly enforced for people under 18 years of age.

Traveling in Mexico

International travelers visiting Mexico need a valid passport and a multiple entry visa, or visa waiver, to re-enter the United States. New rules instituted January 2007 require all U.S. citizens traveling by air to present a valid passport. Beginning 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling by land and sea also must present a passport.

Minors (children under 18) traveling alone should have written permission. The note must be signed by both parents (or legal guardian) and be notarized. A minor traveling with one parent must have a notarized note signed by the other parent. If one parent has sole custody, or the other parent is deceased, minor must have papers stating this. Minors must also present a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county or municipal authority.

Drinking on public streets is prohibited. The drinking age in Mexico is 18 years.

Possession/use of illicit drugs or firearms is strictly prohibited in Mexico.

Pets are allowed into Mexico with verification of a rabies vaccination within the past six months.

If driving into Mexico, purchase Mexican auto insurance on the U.S. side of the border.

Riding the trolley to the border and walking across is an alternate way to get there.

Keep track of your plane, train or bus tickets - they are as good as cash.

While driving, respect and obey the traffic signs. Don't drink and drive, and always use your seat belt.

Never pick up hitchhikers.

If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood. If you must abandon your car, park safely and keep all passengers together. Freeway call boxes are spaced one-half mile apart and are programmed to identify your location.

Parking

When parking your car at visitor attractions or around the city, note curbside regulations and park within marked stalls. If your car is missing from where you parked it, call 619-531-2844 to see if it has been towed.